Want to cruise Bordeaux with AMA Waterways for less? Begin with a two-night stay in Paris, the magical “City of Light,” and enjoy a panoramic tour of the city’s top sights. Continue on to Bordeaux, the capital of Aquitaine in Southwestern France and one of the world’s undisputed wine capitals. You’ll discover stately châteaux, abundant vineyards and stunning scenery as you sail along the Garonne River and its surrounding estuaries, calling upon port cities like Cadillac, Pauillac, Bourg and Libourne. Enjoy tastings of some of the region’s most distinguished wines and visit notable sights before concluding your journey in the Loire Valley.

See the full itinerary below and call our travel expert for dates & pricing on this itinerary. Cruise AMA Waterways for less!

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

​Day 1 ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE.Arrive in Paris and check-in to your hotel. The balance of the day is yours to start exploring this beautiful city.

Day 2 PARISToday, you’ll visit Notre Dame and then enjoy some free time to explore the “City of Light.” Afterwards, you’ll see some of the most famous sights on a panoramic city tour, followed by a photo stop at Champs de Mars for views of the Eiffel Tower. (B)

Day 3 PARIS - BORDEAUX - EMBARKATIONCheck out of your hotel in the morning, and board a TGV high-speed train that will take you straight to the legendary land of wine blends and monumental architecture – Bordeaux. Arrive at your luxurious ship, where you will gather this evening for a Welcome Dinner. (B,D)

Day 4 CADILLACArrive this afternoon in Cadillac, a region renowned for its sensational white wines. Today you will visit the Sauternes wine region, where you’ll taste the highly sought-after sweet wines made here. Afterwards, you will see historic Roquetaillade Castle, which is one of the most impressive castles in Europe. It is almost perfectly preserved and still owned by the original noble family that has possessed it for hundreds of years. (B,L,D)

Day 5 PAUILLACToday, you will enjoy a panoramic tour of the lovely village town on the Left Bank of the Gironde estuary known as Pauillac. Situated in the famed Médoc AOC (appellation d’origine contrôlée, a government controlled destination of origin which signifies where grapes are grown), Pauillac’s gravelly soils are renowned for producing some of the world’s finest Bordeaux wines – especially those made from the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape varietals. You’ll be able to taste local at an authentic Grand Cru Classé wine tasting and also have free time to explore Pauillac – we will be docked here overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 6 PAUILLAC - BLAYE - BOURGTake in the riverside scenery this morning as we make our way from Pauillac to Blaye. North of Bordeaux, this small town is best known for its red wine and historic military significance. You’ll have your choice of two activities. The first is an excursion to the city’s 17th century citadel – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – that was built by famous military engineer Vauban. From the top of this famous fortress, you can admire fantastic views of the impressive Gironde estuary. The second is a bike tour on which you will wind your way through vineyards, see amazing châteaux and cross Santiago’s path, a famous pilgrimage route from the middle ages. Return to the ship for a delicious lunch and prepare for an afternoon in Bourg, to which you can cruise or bike. The bike tour will take you along the “Captain’s Road,” a scenic coastal path that leads to Bourg sur Gironde. Ideally situated at the confluence of the Dordogne and Garonne, this historic village still lives inside medieval walls. Built during Roman times and later fortified by the English, it is filled with rich architectural tradition. Afterwards, enjoy an exclusive festival of music and wine from the appellation of Cotes du Bourg. The ship will remain here overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 7 BOURG - LIBOURNEThis afternoon, you’ll arrive in the winemaking capital of Libourne. Two of Bordeaux’s most elite wine regions are very close by – Saint Emilion and Pomerol. You can either enjoy a Grand Cru Classé wine tasting and a visit to the Underground Churches (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) in St Emilion, as well as a panoramic tour of Pomerol, or join a guided bike tour through the vineyards of both towns followed by a wine tasting. The ship moors overnight in Libourne. (B,L,D)

Day 8 LIBOURNE - BORDEAUXStart your adventure today with a tour of the magnificent Château Vayres, located on the banks of the Dordogne River. As an alternative you can visit a well-preserved local bastide town, which was fortified during medieval times. This afternoon, you will have the option of a Fronsac wine tasting, or to visit Château de Montaigne, a stunning 14th century castle that was the family residence of the philosopher, Michel de Montaigne. We sail to Bordeaux this evening where we will dock and indulge in a spectacular Farewell Dinner with your Captain. (B,L,D)

Day 9 BORDEAUXToday you’ll see the elegant port city of Bordeaux. The breathtaking capital of the wine world is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, with over 360 historic monuments within its borders, it is also classified as a “City of Art and History.” You’ll have an opportunity to experience much of the rich culture and architecture here, including a tasting at the Wine Museum. You will see sights like the Pont de Pierre Bridge, Quinconces Monumental Square and the famed water mirror, Mirroir d’eau. Those seeking a more active way to see the city can join a guided bike tour instead. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore the town on your own. Tonight, the ship will stay in Bordeaux. (B,L,D)

Day 10 BORDEAX – DISEMBARKATION – TOURSDisembark your ship in Bordeaux and continue your journey to Tours, France by TGV train. Experience this charming city in the Loire Valley, which offers the best of French lifestyle with medieval streets teeming with art, history, lovely gardens and tasty cuisine. You’ll have free time to stop at a lively restaurant or market for lunch on your own, and also join a walking tour. Transfer to your hotel in Amboise to check in this afternoon and then have dinner. (B,D)

Day 11 AMBOISEToday, you’ll tour the spectacular Renaissance style Château d’Amboise. Its extravagant residences, gardens and Gothic chapel belonged to several French kings in the past. You’ll also discover Château du Close Luce, Leonardo da Vinci’s last home. This is where he completed some of his most famous works, like The Mona Lisa, The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne, and the Saint John the Baptist. You’ll have free time to use as you please and have lunch, followed by an afternoon tour of the stunning, river-crossing Château de Chenonceau. (B)

Day 12 AMBOISE - PARISCheck out of your hotel this morning before you visit the astoundingly massive Château de Chambord. Located at the heart of Europe’s largest enclosed wooded park, its 156-meter façade, 426 rooms, 77 staircases and 282 fireplaces make this the largest castle in Loire Valley. Next, marvel at the residence of seven kings and ten queens of France during your tour of the famous Château de Blois. Enjoy free time for lunch this afternoon, and then transfer by bus to your hotel, located at Charles De Gaulle Airport. (B)

Day 13 PARISBid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. (B)